Climbing Mount Meru

Climbing Mount Meru might sound easier on paper but on the ground, this steep mountain comes with many adventures than just trekking. Be prepared for wildlife watching, stunning views, and an overall exciting trek. Mt. Meru, despite being overshadowed by its big sister, Mount Kilimanjaro, this mountain packs a punch and is no walkover. It is steeper than Mount Kilimanjaro and is a perfect acclimatization exercise to prepare for a good Kilimanjaro climb. Located about 50 miles to the west of Mt. Kilimanjaro and only a stone’s throw away from Arusha National Park and approximately 51 km from Arusha City Centre, Mount Meru is a massive volcano that rises to 14,980 feet in altitude (4,565 meters). This climb is also designed for hikers who want fewer people on the routes and a more challenging ascent.
Because Mount Meru is confined within the boundaries of Arusha National Park, trekkers must be accompanied by an armed ranger owing of the mountain’s diverse fauna. Hikers are more likely to encounter elephants, giraffes, and buffalo on the mountain’s lower slopes! The route hugs the north wall of the canyon as hikers continue scaling the slopes of the mountain.

Learn how to trek Mount Meru here

The route follows the north rim of the volcano’s crater along a spectacular ridgeline as hikers continue their ascents. Hikers sleep in designated cabins instead of tents along the path throughout the ascent, similar to the dormitory-style huts along the Marangu Route on Mount Kilimanjaro. Weather permitting, hikers will get amazing views of Mt. Kilimanjaro and the Mt. Meru Crater when they approach the peak of Mount Meru, the Socialist Peak as the sun rises.

Facts about climbing Mount Meru

1. Tanzania’s second-highest mountain at 4,566m
2. Dormitory style hut accommodation
3. Abundant wildlife sightings on the first day of the trek
4. Great acclimatization option before climbing Kilimanjaro
5. Ascent and descent via the Momela route

Trekking Mount Meru

Tanzania’s second-highest peak, Mt Meru, stands at 4566 meters. It’s a magnificent volcanic cone with one of East Africa’s most picturesque and rewarding climbs, featuring a thrilling walk along the knife-edge of the crater rim, despite being eclipsed by Kilimanjaro in hikers’ eyes.
At 2000 meters, Mt Meru begins its ascent from a 20-kilometer-wide circular base. The upper part of the mountain is formed like a big horseshoe because a section of the wall has broken away at 2500m. The inner wall below the top has cliffs that are more than 1500 meters high, making it one of Africa’s highest. Recent volcanic eruptions inside the crater have formed a secondary peak known as the Ash Cone, which adds to the crater’s size.

Where is Mount Meru and how to get there?

Mount Meru, located in Arusha is only 40 minutes away from the Kilimanjaro International Airport which is around 60 kilometers (35 miles) away. The Mountain itself is a stone’s throw away from Arusha town and can be easily seen any time of the day from Arusha, weather permitting.

Why Climb Mount Meru

Climbing Mount Mount Meru has many advantages than people think. There are many reasons to climb this beautiful mountain that stands out of the crowd and towers into the clouds of  Arusha town and is about 70 km from the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro.

• One of the reasons why you should choose to climb Mount Meru is the tranquility that comes with the route that leads to the summit. Unlike the more popular Mount Kilimanjaro which is constantly flocked by tourists, Mount Meru has fewer climbers plying its route. You will be sure to avoid traffic and have a peaceful trek if you prefer a private climb.
• The sole reason Mount Meru is located within the Arusha National Park, you are sure to get a mini-game watching safari on your way to climbing the Mountain and on the lower slopes and environs of the mountain which have abundant wildlife like giraffes, elephants, black and white colobus monkeys, buffaloes and a variety of different bird species.
• Mount Meru offers stunning 360-degree panoramic views of the mountain and landscape of Arusha. Weather permitting, you can catch amazing views of Mount Kilimanjaro from a distance coupled with a great crater rim walk that will reward you with unrivaled vistas.

4 day Mount Trek itinerary:

Day 1: Momella Gate to Miriakamba Hut.

Day 2: Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut. A short hike up to the summit of Little Meru.

Day 3: Saddle Hut to Summit (starting at the latest 02:00 AM), Summit to Miriakamba Hut.

Day 4: Miriakamba Hut to Momella Gate.

You might be able to persuade the ranger to let you remain at Saddle Hut between the third and fourth days and descend directly from Saddle Hut to Momella Gate, depending on how you’re feeling, the availability of beds in the huts, and how the ranger is feeling. If you plan on climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro following Mt. Meru, this is definitely the best option for acclimatization. In return for avoiding having to trek the vast distance between Miriakamba Hut and Momella Gate, we were allowed to do so.

3 day Meru Trek itinerary:

Day 1: Momella Gate to Miriakamba Hut.

Day 2: Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut. A short hike up to the summit of Little Meru.

Day 3: Saddle Hut to Summit (starting at latest 02:00 AM), Summit to Momella Gate

The 3-day hike offers the same amount of acclimatization going up as the 4-day hike. However, it is probably harder on your knees because of the very long ascent and descent on the final day.

How many days does it take to trek Mount Meru?

Trekking Mount Meru takes at least 3 days and utmost 4 days from the base of the mountain, to the summit, and back. To allow for appropriate acclimatization, it is suggested that you walk to the top of Mt. Meru for at least four days, which is unusual because the three-day hike peaks on the same day, implying that the amount of acclimatization is identical! The major advantage of four days is that it allows you to break up the descent into smaller segments. If you choose, you may complete the hike in three days, but not less.